Se ee eee fe eee ee 2 ee ee Cae. WK NSE FOuDS; RIO 53 OL aN \ 38s SK OCS | er Sok O OCs XX Te x ? e Valée= Ne | Mle fs iS a : Ri sé CH) © ‘e | ae So > es AN De A EF wag A Ne S Ur) 3 a) XX NSS q = = 8 : Mes | DX =. ; 3 FC Ate Ae DY & 20 =e gs BSS rie Ee ie by S: RE OEE = ome Se mH 3% NSS LQ. pm) 3 AV) ORS i = > ex i ae of = v (\ a ne OH 2 “6 Gar St te RUS ate 42 EES meee / Le f rein re hee tT tan. ees Fey io - { xe Tf < The GAY NINETIES T he GAY NINETIES A BOOK OF DRAWINGS by heavy. CULTER GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1927 ~ COPYRIGHT, 1927, BY DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY, COPYRIGHT, 1925, 1926, BY LIFE PUBLISHING COMPANY. ALL RIGHTSRESERVED. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES AT THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS, GARDEN CITY, N. Y FOREWORD \® THE spring of 1925, Richard Culter came into the Life office with three drawings of scenes and people in the eighteen nineties. He submitted them to Robert Sherwood, the editor of Life, Frank Casey, the art editor, and myself, in the hope that they might develop into a series under the general heading, ““The Gay Nineties.” We liked Mr. Culter’s drawings enormously—I can’t imagine that anyone would fail to appreciate the perfection of his draughtsmanship or the complete truthfulness of his sub- jects; but we frankly doubted that “The Gay Nineties”? would appeal to a wide circle of our readers. Nevertheless, we published the three drawings—and have continued the series in Life ever since. It proved to be one of those rare features—so eagerly sought for by all harassed editors, and so infrequently found—which are characterized, in the jargon of our trade, as eure fire.” Doddering, decrepit veterans who have lived to the ripe old age of thirty-five, enjoy Mr. Culter’s drawings because they reflect, so honestly, the costumes and customs of their dear, dead youth. Children who have been born in this century relish “The Gay Nineties” because of their archeological interest—much as children of my generation were fasci- nated by reminiscences of the Civil War. Mr. Culter has the ability to reflect life in terms of humor, and he has succeeded in representing the Gay Nineties as really gay. Look through the pages of this book and study the people that Mr. Culter has drawn; even though you survey them from the eminence of 1927—even though you laugh heartily at their ludicrous attire, their ridiculous head- dresses—you will come to the conclusion that they must have had a thoroughly good time. Which, if memory has not utterly failed me, they did. M7 ED) , oy The GAY NINETIES VoHo Rr GrAGYs NWN E TU E:S : 4 i ‘ 4 *‘THE REVEREND THADDEUS BAWLEM, IN A POWERFUL SERMON YESTERDAY, ATTRIBUTED THE FALLING OFF IN CHURCH ATTENDANCE TO THE NEW BICYCLE CRAZE,” ETC. 2 THE GAY NINETIES PHINEAS HAS FALLEN FOR THE NEW “CAMERA FEVER” AND IS TRYING HIS HAND AT A FAMILY GROUP ALL DRESSED UP TO START TO CHURCH. ESTHER, ON THE EXTREME RIGHT OF THE GROUP, HAS JUST COME BACK FROM NEW YORK AND HER CAPE IS THE VERY LATEST AGONY. THE GAY NINETIES THE SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY COUNCIL TO DECIDE THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS WAY TO TURN THE OLD PLUM-COLORED POPLIN DRESS. THE GAY \ NIN EDIE S THE FELLOW WITH THE TANDEM BICYCLE WAS ALWAYS SURE TO BE POPULAR—BUT HE PAID DEARLY FOR HIS POPULARITY IN THE LONG RUN. THE GAY NINETIES 5 OUTRAGED WOMANHOOD HOLDING AN IMPROMPTU INDIGNATION MEETING IN FRONT OF A BILLBOARD ADVERTISING THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO GLORIFY THE AMERICAN GIRL ON THE STAGE. ALSO SHOWING A HAPLESS MALE OF THE PERIOD ABOUT TO GO TO THE DEMNITION BOW-WOWS UNLESS SOMETHING IS DONE QUICKLY TO SAFEGUARD HIS MORALS. 6 THE? GA VON ENE TIT.:s a head SKIES. BES AND TRIES Yee) ls ‘ THE NIFTY LITTLE LIVERY STABLE “RIG,” WITH THE RED WHEELS AND RUBBER TIRES, WHICH WAS DATED UP FOR WEEKS IN ADVANCE. ALSO THE USUAL LIVERY STABLE HORSE WHO WANTED TO TURN UP EVERY SIDE STREET, AND 4LW4YS MANAGED TO GET HIS TAIL OVER A REIN JUST AS YOU WERE PASS- ING SOMEBODY YOU KNEW. re ee GAY N DONE TOE: s THE FLASHLIGHT PHOTOGRAPH CRAZE 8 THE GAY (NINETIES bi THE SUNDAY AFTERNOON RIDE IN THE FAMILY SURREY WITH THE FRINGED TOP. RESTING THE HORSES AND EXERCISING THE CHILDREN ON THE HILL. TIMES "GAY NINETIES THE SINGING WAITER STARTING THE MAMMY SONG CRAZE “She lingered through the summer, But when the frost and snow— The bitter winds of winter Very quickly laid her low. She died in my embraces With spirits calm and brave And now a weeping willow Hangs silently o’er her grave. “TI often go to see her grave To keep the verdure green; And plant a spotless lily Upon the peaceful scene; And feel the satisfaction Of knowing—though she’s dead— I tried to do my duty—to— The words my Father said: CHorRuSs: “Stick to your Mother, John, When I am gone. Don’t let her worry, lad. Don’t let her mourn. Remember that she nursed you When I was far away. Don’t leave your Mother— When her hair turns gray.” 1 fe) THE GAY NINETIES ““HEY, MISTER! IS IT RAINING IN LONDON?” (A disciple of the new-style trousers with cuffs found a considerable demand upon his poise and fortitude.) yarn ee © GrASYe Ni PN Ee Ti Bes II 7 me: oe ‘ i ah f SHOWING A JOLLY LITTLE BEACH PARTY WHOSE SWIM IS ABOUT TO BE RUINED BY A REPORT OF THE SIGHTING OF ANOTHER SEA SERPENT OFF THE JERSEY COAST. BUT GREAT AS WAS THE FEAR OF SEA SERPENTS IN THOSE HALCYON DAYS—THE FEAR OF SUNBURN WAS APPARENTLY GREATER. 12 THE GAY NINETIES WS ji XG fi N ‘ HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR, AND HIS STAFF COME TO TOWN. THOSE WERE THE DEAR OLD DAYS WHEN MEN WERE GOVERNORS, AND HORSEMANSHIP WENT HAND IN HAND WITH STATESMANSHIP. Tie “ss AY NIN E TPES 13 THE VANGUARD OF STRAGGLERS, FROM THE ‘“‘CENTURY RUN” OF THE LOCAL BICYCLE CLUB, BEGINS TO DRIFT BACK INTO TOWN. T ROE: OG AW ONAN ESE EES HOUSEWIVES OF THE LATE NINETIES HOLDING A COUNCIL OF WAR ON THE H. C. OF L. THE GIST OF WHICH IS—-MY, MY, WHAT ARE THINGS COMING TO, ANYWAY! NOT ONLY HAVE EGGS GONE UP TO A PENNY EACH AND MILK TO SIX CENTS A QUART, BUT NOW THE MARKETS HAVE STOPPED GIVING AWAY SOUP GREENS WHEN YOU BUY A SOUP BONE. GOOD GRACIOUS, AT THIS RATE, PORTERHOUSE STEAK IS LIABLE TO REACH NINETEEN CENTS A POUND, AND EVERYBODY WILL HAVE TO DO WITHOUT IT. THE “GAY “NUNETIES AN UP-TO-THE-MINUTE DINING ROOM IN THE “‘NINETIES,’ SHOWING THE OLD-FASHIONED MAID-OF-ALL- WORK. HULDA NEVER COULD QUITE BE BROKEN OF THE HABIT OF LAUGHING UPROARIOUSLY AT THE JOKES OF THE GUESTS—BUT SHE WOULD WASH THE WINDOWS, TEND THE FURNACE, DO THE FAMILY WASH, AND CUT THE LAWN IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR HOUSEWORK, ALL FOR TWELVE DOLLARS A MONTH. AND SHE STAYED IN THE SAME FAMILY FOR YEARS AND YEARS. 16 THE GAY NINETIES THE PORTER OF THE BUFFET CAR ON THE LIMITED HAS JUST INFORMED TWO CONVIVIAL PASSENGERS THAT THEY ARE TRAVELING THROUGH A “‘DRY”’ STATE AND HE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SERVE ANY MORE HARD DRINKS FOR FIFTY-THREE MINUTES. THE REMARKS OF THE TWO C. P.’8. WHEN EXPURGATED, ARE TO THE EFFECT THAT THINGS HAVE COME TO A PRETTY PASS WHEN ANY BLANKETY BLANK LAW CAN DICTATE TO A FREE CITIZEN OF THIS ENLIGHTENED COUNTRY WHAT HE CAN OR CANNOT DRINK —ETC., ETC. DHE) GAY, (N-UGNGE TES 17 A GROUP OF STERLING ATHLETES IN THE DAYS WHEN JAWN J. MCGRAW HARDLY HAD A PENNANT TO HIS NAME. BASEBALL, IN THOSE PRE-LANDIS DAYS, WAS PLAYED MOSTLY ACCORDING TO THE RULES LAID DOWN BY THE LATE MARQUIS OF QUEENSBERRY, AND UMPIRES WERE CONSIDERED LEGITIMATE PREY. 18 THES OACY) ONL Noe Eas A RED-LETTER SUNDAY 'S OUTING. TAKING THE NEW TROLLEY OUT PAST THE WATER WORKS TO THE END OF THE LINE AND BACK. THIS WAS NOT SO TAME AS IT SOUNDS; FOR, BETWEEN SWITCHES, THE WHINING, SWAYING, PITCHING TROLLEY OF THE NINETIES WAS REALLY THE DADDY OF THE HAIR-RAISING MODERN ROLLER-COASTER. AND WHEN IT HITCHED ITSELF PERILOUSLY AROUND A CORNER AT TOP SPEED IT WAS CONSIDERED PERFECTLY PROPER FOR LADIES TO SCREAM—IN FACT- IT WAS ALMOST COMPULSORY. ‘ekel Gl Acy EN ieN, Eyl Ickes 19 THE TURKISH-CORNER CRAZE. THESE ARTISTIC DUST-CATCHERS OF THE EARLY NINETIES WERE SUP- POSED TO BE TERRIBLY ROMANTIC AND ARE PROBABLY WHAT IS MEANT BY THE PHRASE—‘‘TURKISH ” ATROCITIES. TiRDE 3° G AgY oON BNveeToT Ess 20 Nan ahaa urettn i 4 i i 4h 5 OUR MODERN YOUNG MISS WITH THE ROLLED STOCKINGS AND BLATANT KNEES IS PROBABLY THE DAUGH- SKIRT WHEN THERE WASN’T 33 RAINY-DAISY 6¢ TER OF THAT HUSSY OF THE NINETIES WHO WORE HER A CLOUD IN THE SKIES. 21 DHE GAY" NINETIES SHOW- IN THE NINETIES, FAMILIAR SCENE ALONG ANY ASPHALT STREET ON A NICE SUNDAY AFTERNOON ING A LADY TAKING UP THE NEW BICYCLE CRAZE IN A SERIOUS WAY. THE GAY. NINETIES Hi) seue f ganos oF@ 7") lool een 4 THE qs vEAI TARIEF A TORCH-LIGHT PROCESSION IN THE DAYS WHEN A MAN’S POLITICS WERE IRREVOCABLY DECIDED BY HEREDITY. ONCE A DEMOCRAT, ALWAYS A DEMOCRAT-——AND JOINING THE OPPOSITION OR SPLITTING YOUR TICKET PUT YOU BEYOND THE PALE OF SOCIETY ALONG WITH MURDERERS AND HIGHWAYMEN. DE GAY. NON E Tee's ORR Cate) f Ah plat Pr - f ih : . / te The Last Word in Compliments ‘‘“WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH ETTA PURDY? SHE HARDLY SPOKE TO US.” *‘OH, SHE’S BEEN THAT WAY EVER SINCE SOMEBODY CALLED HER A GIBSON GIRL.” Tih EO GAY ONDA ETE Ss 24 ALSO THE LAST STAND OF A GOOD FIVE-CENT CIGAR. INDIAN THE LAST STAND OF THE AMERICAN THE GAY NINETIES ie i GRAND BS OPERK -Hayse ‘ren se ~ TEXAS ( Business Item—‘‘ LIVELY TRADING ON THE CURB TO-DAY AMONG COLLECTORS OF CIGARETTE ‘PITCHERS.’ OFFERS OF TWO LILLIAN RUSSELLS FOR A DELLA FOX HAVE BEEN REPORTED MADE AND REFUSED.” 26 TUBE (GACY) (NDNA EVE Tres A Gridiron Hero of the Mid-Nineties APPARENTLY PROWESS UPON THE FIELD OF BATTLE IN THOSE DAYS DEPENDED, LIKE SAMSON’S OF OLD, UPON ONE’S ABILITY TO DODGE THE BARBER. IN THE BACKGROUND WE HAVE THE APPROVED KLASSY KUT KAMPUS KLOTHES OF THE PERIOD. doo BG ALYs” Nel N E\T LES 27 CHRISTMAS MORNING AT JAKE’S PLACE DOWN ON THE CORNER, WHERE HOT TOM AND JERRYS WERE “ON THE HOUSE” TO OLD CUSTOMERS. THIS SESSION USUALLY LASTED UNTIL SOMEBODY'S LITTLE WILLIE ARRIVED WITH THE MESSAGE, “‘MAMMA SAYS PAPA IS TO COME RIGHT STRAIGHT HOME—THE TURKEY'S ON THE TABLE.” TOHCE TG ALLA ONIN, Bales BEFORE BOX OFFICES BECAME MERE PLACES WHERE DOCTORS LEAVE THEIR NAMES IN CASE OF A CALL —IT WAS ALWAYS POSSIBLE FOR THE PROVIDENT THEATRE-GOER TO PURCHASE STANDING-ROOM TICKETS AND THEN TIP THE USHER A QUARTER, AFTER THE FIRST ACT, FOR A GOOD SEAT DOWN FRONT. 29 GAY “NINETIES THE ” for sweet potatoes And shoot the Sealskin Sacque. We'll dig 3 “°Twas down by the Hackensack River, Where the hackman drives his hack; FOR THAT WAS BEFORE T MEAN MAYBE, ? AND WHEN THEY SAID “‘SEALSKIN”’ IN THOSE DAYS THEY DIDN THE TIME WHEN MUSKRATS LIVED AS MUSKRATS AND DYED AS SEALS. THE GAY NINETIES 30 y / ' 1s \j $.AS Hts. é TONSORIAL PARLOR” IN THE DAYS WHEN SUCH PLACES WERE EXCLUSIVELY MASCULINE INSTITUTIONS ee A THAT WAS BEFORE THE RAZOR HAD BEEN MADE WHERE ANECDOTE AND TOBACCO JUICE RAN FREELY. AND THE FLOWERY NAMES ON THE PRIVATE SHAVING MUGS FORMED A ROSTER SAFE FOR DEMOCRACY, OF THE TOWN’S MOST SUBSTANTIAL CITIZENS. TE ]G AY NIN E.T LES 31 Cl ~ dl KOSTER THE GREAT STRONGEST MAST TN RAE 1 T> 2 oT q cal a a —_— " ; an, ; gor See Tid IE Pon ROE) vf 4 Ppa Dh ricer Nad ee at ae 7 NEW YEAR’S DAY CALLS. YOUNG BLOODS OF THE NINETIES GOING THE ROUNDS OF THE PUNCH-BOWLS IN A LIVERY STABLE RIG HIRED FOR THE OCCASION. TREE WG AVY ON aN SE STS eS 32 SOMETHING JUST EVERLASTINGLY WHOOPING THINGS A GROUP OF THE ALUMNI OF THE CLASS OF NINETY- THOSE WERE THE DAYS WHEN COLLEGE BOYS WERE ONE HUNDRED PER CENT. HELLIONS—-ASK ANY UP OLD GRAD. Tete GAN NIE TOES 33 a : HORS Fn land Heme ain: lecas) j THE FEVERISH CLIMAX OF A WILD EVENING—GETTING “‘HOME”’ THE LAST MAN FOR THE PARCHESI CHAMPIONSHIP THE GAY NINETIES 34 A GODSEND TO THE COMIC ARTISTS -——-THE SURE-FIRE LAUGH-GETTER OF THE NINETIES. 33 THE “DUDE AND A WOW ON ANY STAGE, OF THE DAY, THE GAY NINETIES 35 THE BAMBOO PORTIERES, A SOCIAL HAZARD OF THE FESTIVE NINETIES WHICH, SOONER OR LATER, MAN- AGED TO TRAP EVEN THE WARIEST. PH Ge aA Ae ONE eT ae ro | iit DR a ‘ } ! teal Mihoek: ae i BY aaa oclug Loe ae A Sporting Event of the Nineties THE RACE FOR THE MAGNUM OF CHAMPAGNE OFFERED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CASINO IN CENTRAL PARK TO THE ARRIVALS IN THE FIRST SLEIGH OF THE SEASON. a CACY 2° N°TeN ET og-s THE APPY PAIR HAD BEEN TINTYPED NINETIES WAS COMPLETE UNTIL THE H K HOME. NO HONEYMOON OF THE EARLY E EDIFICATION OF THE FOLKS BAC t FOR T POM BOL YON DT Nee eb Bes THE DINKY LITTLE GILT CHAIR WITH THE MENDED LEG WHICH SOMEHOW OR OTHER SEEMED TO BE OF THOSE FESTIVE DAYS. STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN EVERY FORMAL “PARLOR” Onn Oe a ©REY GAY CNN ETYT.ES PLUS THE BICYCLE CLIPS DEMANDED BY THE FEMININE TRADE, ROBBED THE PREVAILING MODE IN SKIRTS, THE BOOTBLACK BUSINESS OF MUCH OF THE GLAMOUR IT ENJOYS TO-DAY. NINES DES GAY wink a4 \ < i | oe - HANDSOME WAS AS HANSOM DID. GALLS? Na Nee PIES THE saune Liv § | % 5 i ‘ H é r) Sa aS oer coat s enenanideintaiiad THE 50 A TON, E DECALCOMANIA MANIA WHEN ANTHRACITE WAS STEADILY CLIMBING TO $4. YOUNGER GENERATION SUDDENLY BROKE OUT WITH TH BACK IN THE EARLY WELSBACH ERA, THE GAY NINETIES ery APN re ton enn, aan ee ~ee “5 BESS cue THE GIBSON TABLEAU THE GAY NINETIES -A FAMILY LIABILITY IN THE BUXOM NINETIES—THE DAUGHTER WHO IS TOO SLENDER EVER TO BE STYLISH. GA YR N UNE Tees TL EOE A WELCOME HARBINGER OF SPRING IN THE HOPELESSLY UNLEGISLATED NINETIES. 45 Wetiaks 7G AS Ye ONSLINY ESTE s ress ee v Lee 2 ~ MM eA BS WAS THE DAY THE CARPET LAYER ARRIVED IN THE INLAID BRUSSELS PERIOD, BUT THE WONDER OF WONDERS WAS-—HOW HE COULD NEGOTIATE A MOUTHFUL OF A HIGHLIGHT OF CHILDHOOD, TO DO THE PARLOR. SHARP TACKS AND A CHEW OF TOBACCO AT THE SAME TIME AND STILL REMAIN IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING. THE GAY NINETIES CON- —THE EVENT OF THE 6é 9 SALES PSYCHOLOGY “e WHEN THE BUSINESS WORLD HAD NOT YET INVENTED AND 9? “PUNCH 3? ’ DAY WAS THE RETURN OF THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY FOR MID-DAY DINNER AND A NAP. PEP, AND SUCH TERMS AS “ BEFORE THE DAYS OF THE QUICK LUNCH, FERENCES”’ THE GAY NINETIES “ae Pak Ewe : seh et Seen a TEN Ca Sansa ome PIT: tame sagen aT cena Se ODT ey “ - erent ee ee hist ants 9? inn. im Herzen, im S ar ir liegst mt liegst m du du “Du, Du, A Ty HOE TG ACY "ON EN EES s 3 Me D Sa SS 4 i ptt a tated aoe ¥ my. a aoe f am AA Sy a LEG” THE GUEST WHO INADVERTENTLY USED THE WORD “‘ E NINETIES A SOCIAL HAZARD IN THE NIC LIMB. ce INSTEAD OF 24 ae T BEEN WARNED! I TOLD HIM ONLY YESTERDAY THAT A BODY WAS > ere tt SAL Ne ot eho T AS THOUGH HE HADN AND IT ISN’ A FOOL TO CHANGE FROM THEIR ANKLE ce : o =) pews. ‘~~ ae 2 * panei Wadia meta ar mde eA pnts oo KNEE-LENGTH MEDIUMS AT THIS -LENGTH HEAVIES TO THEIR TIME OF YEAR.” TE SoG AY OO NG NM BUT de oss i tty er tae pst encase = eet S LATEST INVENTION. ’ EDISON THE NEIGHBORS DROP IN TO HEAR MR. SI Bt ri 4 ION CP ee tt ioe EE aGAcyow NIN ET LES a Lal -A-TETE CHAIR AND THE DANCE PROGRAM WITH ITS LITTLE PENCIL ON A SILKEN CORD—TWO ETE THE TE FINE OLD INSTITUTIONS THAT HAVE GONE TO JOIN THE DODO BIRD. 52 THE GANT SN aero eS = < ” eee > ry a ’ = | es 5 3 ct 4 4 o Sos eae Ee eee rae 7 mm ee. A MIXED FOURSOME IN THE DAYS WHEN THE FAIRWAYS THEMSELVES, PLUS THE USUAL STRAY COW, WERE THE ONLY HAZARDS NECESSARY. me orien. GASY 2 ONTNeE T DES IN AUTOMOBILES PROVE IMPRACTICAL. REAR DOORS THE} GAY N PNET LES THE AUTOGRAPH ALBUM PEST-——ONE OF THE WORST SOCIAL HAZARDS OF THE NINETIES. THERE IS MANY A DIGNIFIED BANK PRESIDENT TO-DAY WHOSE SIGNATURE GRACES SUCH SENTIMENTAL GEMS AS— When you are married And live upstairs, Don’t be like other folks And put on airs. I take my pen into my hand And grasp your album tight; But ’pon my soul I cannot think One single thing to write. Remember me is all I ask This simple boon of thee; And let it be an easy task To sometimes think of me. When land and sea divide us And you no more I see, Remember it was Harry Who wrote these lines to thee. I wish you much, I wish you plenty, I wish you a husband Before you are twenty. When you're under the ground And your bones are all rotten, It is my sincere wish That you'll not be forgotten. 55 BIE GAY "NI NE:T LES RRS AY TT Hy” We Fo a Ninn am ong METRES Ty) NH ype IVE ye ey SIMSRUANALI LANG. MW). sh TTT OAS Tartan LS eer eer tT Te via tay ee een a fy Retew os meas) Sr NINETIES. S LEGS—-A REGULAR ERRAND OF CHILDHOOD IN THE DAMPISH 2 LOOKING FOR FATHER THHTE SG AGYS VN IENC EST TSESS BORING IF ANY, A “THIRTY LOVE!” “pEucE!” “YOUR SERVE, DEAREST!’ NO SPORT WILL EVER KNOW MORE HEROIC PIO- NEERS THAN THE BILL TILDENS OF THE NINETIES WHO HAD TO PASS THE LIVERY STABLE IN FULL TENNIS REGALIA. T-BrEs GAY NT NSE«l- lS A SNAPSHOT OF A WILD PICNIC IN THE PINKISH-PURPLE NINETIES WHICH SHOWS CONCLUSIVELY THE DEMORALIZING INFLUENCE OF THAT INVENTION OF THE DEVIL—THE BICYCLE—-UPON THE YOUNGER GENERATION. TEE *«+GAY ON LN ET PES -CARS, WHAT WITH DODGING CABLE AND EVEN THE NIGHT DID NOT BRING PEACE AND SECURITY, THERE WAS NOTHING TAME ABOUT CITY LIFE IN THE GAY NINETIES, HANSOMS, FOR THIS TWO-FACED ARTICLE OF FURNI- AND BICYCLES ALL DAY. THEN CAME THE GAMBLE WITH DEATH VIA THE FOLDING BED. TURE—WHICH DURING THE DAY POSED AS AN INNOCENT CUPBOARD OR PIER GLASS—-HAD A TREACH- EROUS WAY OF SUDDENLY DECIDING IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT TO CLOSE UP AND RESUME ITS MASQUERADE. ONLY THE CHANCE OF YOUR MUFFLED CRIES BEING HEARD BY A WAKEFUL NEIGHBOR IN WHICH CASE, EARLY GATES. STOOD BETWEEN YOU AND THE P WES GAY N UNE PDE S THERE WAS ONE ADVANTAGE IN LIVING DURING THE BICYCLE ERA. A REALLY NICE GIRL IN THE NONE-~ TOO-SAFE NINETIES DIDN’T HAVE TO WALK HOME. THE GAY NINETIES Saige etree ance eee ene FAO M0 wna rey Te 6 pan alin ncaey, A. See me wen p AIO oN Se ars areata FOR IT HEART COULD MANAGE TO STAY TONGUE-TIED AFTER THE BALLOON SLEEVE FASHION WAS A GREAT BOON TO THE YOUNG LADY WITH A TIMID SWAIN. WAS INDEED A HOPELESS CASE IF ANY FAINT- “PLEASE STUFF MY SLEEVES IN.” COMPLYING WITH THE REQUEST, THE GAY NINETIES BUT THE COURTING MARRIAGES—IN THE CAREFUL NINETIES—-WERE SUPPOSED TO BE MADE IN HEAVEN. EARTH. UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A LYNX-EYED CHAPERON RIGHT HERE ON HAD TO BE DONE THE GAY NINETIES THE STYLES OF THE DAY SOMETIMES PROVED A FACTOR IN THE POPULAR GAME OF CROQUET. FOR IN- STANCE, THE MODISH LADY IN THE FOREGROUND, IN STROLLING ABOUT AWAITING HER TURN TO PLAY, HAS HAPPENED TO DRAG HER SKIRT ACROSS THE BALL, LEAVING IT—-BY THE MEREST PRANK OF FATE— IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION FOR HER NEXT WICKET. THE GAY NINETHIE'’S -GALLON SHAKERS AND AMBISEXTROUS DRINKING IT IS HARD TO CONCEIVE THAT IN THESE DAYS OF FIVE -FOUR-CORNERS NINETIES THE FEW HOSTS WHO BOTHERED TO SERVE THE DURING THE SALOON-ON-ALL STUFF AT ALL MIXED ONLY ENOUGH COCKTAILS TO PROVIDE ONE EACH FOR THE MALE GUESTS. THE GAY NINETIES EVERY YOUNG GIRL IN THE NINETIES WENT THROUGH THE ART STAGE, JUST AS SHE WENT THROUGH MEASLES AND WHOOPING COUGH. BUT INSTEAD OF LEAVING HER WITH IMPAIRED EYESIGHT OR FALLING HAIR, THE MALADY LEFT THE HOUSEHOLD HOPELESSLY BURDENED WITH A HETEROGENEOUS COLLECTION OF CIGAR-BAND ASH-TRAYS, BERIBBONED HAND-PAINTED PIN CUSHIONS, SCENIC FIRE SHOVELS, GILDED ROLLING PINS, COPIES OF GIBSON DRAWINGS, AND ELABORATE BURNT-LEATHER PILLOWS. OH, THOSE WERE THE ARTY DAYS. THE GAY NINETIES 65 ae ESAS i me) ed uy x. R ss i oe AGAIN THE WOMEN’S FASHIONS OF THE DAY BECAME A FACTOR OF IMPORTANCE WHEN THE BE-GOGGLED, GAUNTLETED, LINEN-DUSTERED AUTOMOBILIST GOT DOWN TO HIS LAST MATCH IN TRYING TO LIGHT THE ACETYLENE HEADLIGHTS IN A HIGH WIND. THE GAY NINETIES BEFORE THE DAY OF THE SOCIAL REGISTER ONE COULD TELL WHO WAS WHO IN A TOWN BY THE FRONT LAWNS. FOR INSTANCE—-A LAWN CUT UP BY MERE STAR-AND-CRESCENT FLOWER-BEDS MEANT COM- FORTABLE RESPECTABILITY. THE ADDITION OF A RUSTIC TRIPOD WITH A KETTLE OF GROWING FLOWERS WAS ANOTHER STEP UP THE SOCIAL LADDER-—BUT AN IRON STAG ADDED TO THESE MEANT POSITIVE AFFLUENCE. THE GAY NINETIES 67 os “BETTER SELL THAT TIE, NEWT; ITLL NEVER GET ANY HIGHER!” CHIRPED THE SMART CRACKER OF THE BON-MOTTY NINETIES WHEN SOMEBODY'S NECKWEAR SLIPPED ITS MOORINGS ON THE BACK COLLAR BUTTON AND STARTED UPWARD ON A TOUR OF ADVENTURE. RE SG AGE STNG ec eee / “The Bowery, the Bowery They say such things and they do such things / On the Bowery ! the Bowery Til never go there any more y?? Pity Ey GAY’ NOUN E*TIZE S aoe Eik el a rt Bi S25: 1 LL JUST HAVE A LITTLE CELERY TONIC 6649 I WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE FELLOW WHO USED TO SAY, THE GAY NINETIES BACK IN THE HALCYON DAYS WHEN “THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK”’ WAS A POPULAR SONG INSTEAD OF A POLITICAL SLOGAN, THE BUSINESS DAY OF SMALL TOWNS WAS PERIODICALLY INTERRUPTED BY THE CLARION STRAINS OF “‘TA-RA-RA BOOM-DE-AY”” AND “‘A HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN TO-NIGHT.”” WHERE- UPON EVERYBODY—ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO OWNED HORSES PARKED NEAR MAIN STREET—WOULD RUSH OUT TO WATCH THE MINSTREL PARADE PASS BY. 71 THE GAY NINETIES LIVE-AND-LET-LIVE’” NINE- Se gs aa ¢ ‘ RUSHING THE GROWLER.” (“A !’”) THIS INCONSPICUOUS PORTAL OF CHEER S AND OVERRASH INDIVIDUALS WHO-——IN AN UNGUARDED 73 S WASHING BY GUS, AND NOT TOO MUCH COLLAR THIS TIME > THE DOORWAY WITH THE HOMEY TITLE,:UP,.EVERY SIDE STREET IN THE WHERE THE FAIR SEX COULD OFFSET A HARD DAY TIES, PINT OF DARK, WAS ALSO A BOON TO HUSBANDS OF W. C. T. U.’ MOMENT—HAD SWORN OFF. THE GAY NINETIES 72 ? $ CABIN’ UNCLE TOM’ 66 THE ROAD COMPANIES OF ACTOR FOLKS BEFORE THE DAYS OF BOOKING AGENCIES. ICE. OFTEN TRAVELED ON VERY THIN MomMy Es SGeAVY, GON ION? E Til ES pprasttgel® i a : ‘ é taal Cdl eee at ee EM” 3 SHE-WEARS- -JUST-KNOW- “vou IN THE NINETIES THE GALLANT LOVER HAD TO FIGHT COLD STEEL TO WIN HIS LADY FAIR. THE GAY NINE TIES g) BRAVE PTE it Ba ant 8 net fh Be th oe TSA +f Os al eS es Reena cent a al PESTERED PILOTS OF THE PRESENT CAN BLAME THIS PIONEER PERIOD FOR PROPAGATING THAT POISON- OUS PESSIMIST OF THE JOY RIDE—-THE BACK-SEAT DRIVER. T°HLEY (G-AVY? NUN E T1ES 7 THE WORLD’S FAIR AT CHICAGO INTRODUCED TO A STARTLED WORLD LA BELLE FATIMA, THE ORIGINAL “LITTLE LA-DEE WITH THE MAH-VELL-IOUS MUSCLE CONTROL” IN HER FAMOUS COUCHIE-COUCHIE—A DANCE WHICH SOMEHOW PROVED MUCH MORE POPULAR WITH THE MALE POPULATION THAN WITH HER OWN SEX. AND THE TIN-PAN ALLEY OF THE PERIOD CASHED IN ON THIS POPULARITY WITH THE SONG* “She never saw the ‘Streets of Cairo,’ To the ‘Midway’ she had never been; She never danced the ‘Couchtie-Couchie,’ Simple little country maid.” THE GAY NINETIES BACK IN THE THROW-AWAY-THE-KEY NINETIES MR. RAINES PUT OVER THE BRIGHT IDEA IN NEW YORK THAT MEALS ON SUNDAY SHOULD HAVE THE SAME LIQUID STIMULUS AS THOSE DURING THE WEEK. WHEREUPON, PROMPTLY AT MIDNIGHT SATURDAY, AN ALLEGED SANDWICH APPEARED UPON EACH LITTLE TABLE OF THE COZY ROOM BEHIND THE BARS, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO DO VALIANT DUTY AS THE “MEAL” UNTIL MONDAY MORNING. AND MANY A DULL SUNDAY WAS BRIGHTENED FOR THE SERIOUS DRINKERS BY SOME OUT-OF-TOWNER WHO MISINTERPRETED THIS SOP-TO-THE-LAW AND TOOK THE PROPERTY SANDWICH AT ITS FACE VALUE. THE GAY NINETIES ONCE STRANGELY FAMILIAR VOICE AND PICCA- THE CHILDREN OF THE NINETIES DID NOT HAVE TO TAKE THEIR SANTA CLAUS ON MERE HEARSAY. A YEAR THIS PERSON OF MYSTERY, WITH MISPLACED OBESITY, IN EVERY HOME AND WAS A GREAT SUCCESS WITH EVERY ONE BUT THE CHILDREN THEMSELVES APPEARED IN PERSON DILLY SHOES, THE GAY NINETIES Prine tte dG YOU MUST BE MORE CAREFUL. JUST NOW WHEN YOU STEPPED INTO THE CARRIAGE I COULD ““MY DEAR, 23 SEE CLEAR UP TO YOUR SHOE TOPS FRE GAY NINETIES Yee ee ae * pS POPE TER BACK IN THE HALLOWED CUT-GLASS ERA THE WILY ANIMAL-SKIN RUG WITH THE MOUNTED HEAD LAY IN WAIT FOR THE UNWARY IN EVERY HOME OF AFFLUENCE AND PROBABLY CLAIMED MORE VICTIMS IN DEATH THAN IT EVER DID IN LIFE. ITS TATTERED EARS, BUSTED EYES, AND MISSING TEETH TESTIFIED TO MANY YEARS OF DAILY CONTACT WITH GRANDPA’S BOOT, AND IF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD COULDN’T SEEM TO AVOID IT—-WHAT CHANCE HAD THE HAPLESS STRANGER WITHIN THEIR GATES? PH. EY GAY aN TNE 2 Es 80 ? WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE GIRL WHO USED TO SHINE HER SHOES ON THE BACK OF HER STOCKING ¥ i woh af Pik ‘4 A , taad PA Aie pnt , she q 4, hy ‘ Ct Se vs ee Sade | ’ ’ ware f i . 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